Storm-related claims not a torrent, insurers say

Insurers were bracing for many claims for storm damage, like this scene in the Heights, but the claims reporting wasn't as intense as expected.

Insurers were bracing for many claims for storm damage, like this...

Insurers braced for a deluge of claims after a weekend of heavy rain, wind and hail. But by Monday afternoon in Houston, the claims were more of a drizzle than a downpour, interviews with insurance companies show.

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association had five claims filed in Harris County by Monday afternoon. The Texas FAIR Plan Association didn't have numbers yet, but it expected to see about 500 claims total in the Houston area.

Both are insurers of last resort. The Windstorm Association, with 3,904 policies in Harris County at the end of March, provides wind and hail coverage for coastal residents. The FAIR Plan Association, with 92,365 policies in Harris County at the end of March, provides residential property insurance to Texans who can't get private insurance.

More damage was reported in other parts of the associations' coverage areas. The Windstorm and FAIR Plan associations received about 1,500 claims as of Monday afternoon. They expected to receive another 200 to 300 throughout the day.

More Information

Be prepared

Tips for making storm-related insurance claims:

Inspect home or vehicle for damage and make temporary repairs, like covering a broken window or putting tarp over a damaged roof.

Take photos of damage and file a claim as quickly as possible.

Save receipts for repairs.

Keep a record of all correspondence with insurance adjuster.

Beware of unscrupulous contractors and work with the adjuster beforehand.

Ask to speak with a supervisor if there are unnecessary problems or delays with the adjuster.

Sources: State Farm, Insurance Council of Texas

Dave Williams, vice president of claims for the two associations, said dealing with the fallout from multiple severe storms in cities throughout Texas "requires quite a bit of flexibility in your planning and execution."

Adjusters have been dispatched to hard-hit areas, round-the-clock phone support was made available and management is monitoring claims volume to ensure there are sufficient staff and resources.

Farmers Insurance had more than 2,500 claims filed for the Houston, Austin and Dallas areas.

"We expect to see additional claims come in over the next few days," director of media relations Carrie Bonney said.

Kristen Freis, a spokeswoman for Allstate, said there's been an increase in claims for the Houston area, but she didn't have numbers yet.

"We have seen enough of an increase that we've made extra resources available," she said. This includes more insurance adjusters in the Houston area.

And as of Sunday, State Farm received 1,720 claims for the storms that swept through Texas starting Thursday. Sixty percent were for vehicles, and 40 percent were for homes.

State Farm was unable to break out Houston-specific numbers but noted the area around Texas 249 corridor - including Magnolia, Tomball and Spring - was among the areas hit hardest by hail.

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